Elvis was my childhood and the main exponent of what most white kids came to know as rock 'n' roll in the 1950s. I wonder how many times I've heard "Don't Be Cruel," "Heartbreak Hotel" or "Are You Lonesome Tonight?"

Elvis was unique, charismatic, with a voice to match. Very few if any artists attempt to cover his songs because no one can without appearing amateurish. He WAS the King of Rock 'n' Roll.

Michael came along as lead singer of the Jackson 5 when I was in my 20s. Regardless of how old you were then, you took notice of this prodigy. Later, as a solo artist, he released "Thriller" in 1982.

It transcended the color line. Everyone bought that album and played it nonstop. He could rock with "Beat It," then tone it down with "Human Nature," now an anthem and covered by many jazz musicians.

Here was a truly different entertainer who was not only a brilliant singer, but an innovative and electrifying dancer. No one could believe his moonwalk. No one had ever seen anything like it onstage! He was the King of Pop.

Yes, they are now both just another Hollywood statistic, but like most of us, I'm glad they came along.

Editor - Thanks for the thoughtful and insightful essay on Michael Jackson. In the barrage of material I've read on the subject, it's only this article I'm passing around and insisting my friends read.

Farewell, Farrah

Editor- I read two articles today about Farrah Fawcett with lists of her television and movie credits ("A serious actress with range," Datebook, Thursday). Has the writer forgotten her brilliant appearance as the laser surgeon's assistant in "Logan's Run" (1976)?

- Paul Cruiksahnk, San Francisco

Tut, Tut

Editor - Kenneth Baker's criticism of the Tutankhamun exhibit is mystifying at best and churlish in the extreme. He offers little reasoning behind his dislike of the exhibit, except vague put-downs of American avoidance of the subject of death (huh?), and that it's all about "profit, not learning." As if every past exhibit at the de Young was all about learning.

Baker's views are often strained and esoteric, but this one takes the proverbial artistic cake!